Iraqi Troops Completely Liberate Mosul Airport From Daesh - Source

The Iraqi federal police's rapid response force has completely liberated the Mosul airport from Daesh terrorists, an Iraqi security source told Sputnik.

Earlier in the day, the Iraqi security forces launched a major offensive to clear the airport from the outlawed group.

The air traffic control tower is seen at the airport in Mosul, 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 19, 2007

© AP Photo / Lauren Frayer

Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, was captured by Daesh militants in June 2014. Iraqi and US-led coalition forces liberated the eastern part of the city in late January 2017, while its western part remains under terrorists’ control.

Video shows #Iraqi Federal police units and Rapid Response Division inside #Mosul international airport and its runway. pic.twitter.com/fn32AkBsvk

— Iraqi Day 🇮🇶 (@iraqi_day) 23 февраля 2017 г.

IMPORTANT:#Iraq's Federal Police has stormed #Mosul airport. A major Da'ish command centre. Heavy fighting ongoing. pic.twitter.com/Z1foewZ6AZ

— Haidar Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity) 23 февраля 2017 г.

Iraqi forces now moving clearing the way to airport perimeter pic.twitter.com/5P8NG3PRYt

— Quentin Sommerville (@sommervillebbc) 23 февраля 2017 г.

On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced the start of the operations to liberate the western part of the city.

The operation to retake Mosul from Daesh began on October 17, 2016.